Heritage Minister Eliyahu Questions Readiness of Kaplan Protestors for Combat

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu stated during a pre-election panel for high school students in Tel Aviv that he would not want to draft individuals associated with the "Kaplan" protest movement into combat roles, expressing doubt about their willingness to charge into battle. The comment came during a discussion about drafting the ultra-Orthodox community into the military, where Eliyahu also addressed reservists and the ongoing protests.

According to an attendee, Eliyahu's remarks followed a presentation by Likud candidate Shlomo Lerner, who cited data indicating relatively low combat enlistment rates from the school. The panel, part of a series aimed at engaging young voters, featured representatives from various political parties discussing issues like ultra-Orthodox conscription. Opposition parties emphasized the need for universal enlistment, while Lerner asserted the Likud's efforts in drafting ultra-Orthodox individuals, presenting relevant statistics.

The event was held at Ironi Alef High School in Tel Aviv as part of a broader initiative to connect with younger voters through political discussions and mock elections.